Council's Plan Was Flawed

Our Towns

New Britain

January 28, 2004

Developing proposals for selling off city-owned properties is an involved process with plenty of built-in safeguards. A plan by New Britain's common council to add another committee would have created a situation that was unnecessary, ungainly and probably unproductive -- like wearing a belt with suspenders.

Mayor Timothy Stewart was right to veto this idea.

Foreclosures, tax liens and purchases have bloated the ranks of city-owned properties. Currently, Mr. Stewart says, the city owns 150 properties -- many of which have incurred demolition, renovation and administrative costs.

Everyone agrees that the city's best interests would be served by getting these properties back onto the tax rolls. Selling them, however, requires that the mayor or his representative meet with prospective sellers, developers, the corporation counsel and other agencies. Finally, it requires common council approval.

Council members voted to add another layer to that process this month by creating a five-member advisory panel charged with screening all proposals for city properties that are received by city hall. Aldermen say their purpose is not to second-guess the mayor, but to get more information earlier in the process. Also, to make sure the public is aware of these proposals. ``The sun's got to shine in on the process of the city's dealing with its properties,'' said Alderman Rick Lopes.

But the sun is shining. Council members can get all the information they need in deciding whether to approve or reject a deal. They can also hold a public hearing.

Creating another committee would only gum up the works. It's also likely to create confusion among prospective buyers or developers of city property about whom they should deal with.

Mr. Stewart, who campaigned on open and honest government, deserves a freer hand to negotiate for the city's best interests.